Weather reporters in recent years have struggled to find new ways to describe extreme-severe-historic drought.

It’s been worse for farmers and ranchers who have had to cope with it.

In beef producer meetings, Dr. Larry Redmon, Texas Agri-Life Extension forage specialist, encourages ranchers to be ready to make the most of any moisture they do receive. Here’s a summary of his six tips.

Soil test and fertilize improved pastures according to the minimum recommendation before it rains. “Drought-stressed forage should be treated like a new seeding. It’s not the same grass it was,” Redmon says. “Soil test because otherwise you’ll over-apply expensive nutrients, under-apply needed nutrients and never apply the correct nutrients.”

Pay attention to weeds. Weeds compete effectively with grass for moisture, sunlight and nutrients. They will inhibit recovery. In most cases, herbicide spraying is the best choice for weed control. During a drought, however, plants may not respond, so mowing may be the only option.

Pay attention to grasshoppers and armyworms. “Ten hoppers per square yard can eat 60 percent of the grass,” Redmon says. “But it doesn’t cost much to control weeds or insects. It’s one of the bright spots of pasture management.”

Don’t forget what just happened in the drought. “Better managed forages recover more rapidly and more completely than those not well managed,” Redmon says. “Well managed means fertilized appropriately, stocked appropriately and not grazed or hayed too short after September.”

In the long run, consider stocking for 75 percent of the long-term average rainfall, Redmon says. Consider, too, that lower-input forages like bahiagrass, kleingrass and natives may be more profitable even with reduced productivity.

Soil residual helps timing

Herbicides with soil residual activity may help with timing of weed control after drought, say a Dow AgroSciences expert.

At appropriate labeled rates, herbicides with residual activity control weeds that have emerged, and they remain active in the soil to control many that germinate for a period after spraying, explains Dr. Vernon Langston, a Texas-based field scientist with Dow AgroSciences. Not all pasture herbicides offer residual activity. Both GrazonNext® HL herbicide and Chaparral™ herbicide have residual activity, no grazing restrictions and can be sprayed up to waters’ edge.

Don’t spray when it’s too dry, Langston advises. Make sure weeds are actively growing for best results, and get on them early to ensure optimum grass response.

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Dow Pasture Solutions Resources

Weed and Brush IdentificationEffectively managing weeds or undesirable vegetation in rangeland, pastures and Conservation Reserve Program acres begins with an understanding of what you’re up against. Annuals, perennials, woody trees and shrubs each can require a unique approach.

Forage ManagementDow AgroSciences has compiled tools and resources to help you more effectively manage your forage. As these resources include geographic-specific recommendations and methodologies for managing forage, you can select your state and be directed to the appropriate site.

Products and TreatmentsDow AgroSciences offers a full line of products designed to suit nearly any rangeland or pasture management situation. Check out the best products for your individual situation and management goals, view separate product pages, use our Find Your Solutions tool, or download a Product Portfolio Detailer developed specifically for your market.

Pasture Improvement GuideThis booklet provides a comprehensive look at a variety of pasture issues including, economics of pasture weed control, how weeds and brush can team up and how to control them and pasture improvement: 5 phases.

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